The Wine Reference🍷 SupportMourvèdre grape
Mourvèdre is a red grape known for blackberry, plum, pepper, earth. Its best-known homes are Bandol, Spain.
Origin and history
From Spain, where it is called Monastrell; the names Mourvèdre and Mataró probably derive from Murviedro (Sagunto) near Valencia and Mataró near Barcelona.
Where it grows
Bandol and the southern Rhône in France, south-east Spain (Jumilla, Yecla, Alicante, Bullas), and Barossa and McLaren Vale in Australia, plus California.
Structure
Full body, deep colour, moderate acidity and high, firm tannins with fairly high alcohol.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, black plum, black pepper, violet and dried herbs. With age: game, leather, earth, tobacco and meat.
Ageing
Most best within 3–8 years; top Bandol needs 10 years and can age 20 or more.
Also known as
Monastrell (Spain), Mataró (Australia, California).
Good to know
Red Bandol must contain at least 50% Mourvèdre and spend at least 18 months in wood; the grape needs heat and likes to 'see the sea'.
Wine regions for Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Syrah / Shiraz, Garnacha / Grenache, Mourvèdre
Generous and peppery: dark berries, spice and soft tannins.
Food: Sausages, cassoulet, pizza
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Rhône Valley · Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Mourvèdre, Garnacha / Grenache, Syrah / Shiraz
Deep and savoury: black fruit, garrigue herbs, leather and spice.
Food: Game, slow-cooked lamb
Domaines Ott Château Romassan Bandol Rosé
Provence · Bandol · Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault
Structured Bandol rosé with stone fruit, spice and a long finish.
Food: Grilled fish, lamb
Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhône Valley · Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Ripe, spicy Châteauneuf with garrigue notes.
Food: Lamb, game
Château de Beaucastel Hommage à Jacques Perrin
Rhône Valley · Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah
Beaucastel's Mourvèdre-rich prestige cuvée, made only in great years.
Food: Game, truffle
Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas
Rhône Valley · Gigondas · Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Traditional, sturdy Gigondas.
Food: Lamb, stews
Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas
Rhône Valley · Gigondas · Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Spicy, mineral Gigondas from limestone.
Food: Game, beef
Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge
Rhône Valley · Côtes du Rhône · Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
'Baby Beaucastel': ripe, spicy and savoury.
Food: Lamb, stews
Domaines Ott Château Romassan Bandol Rouge
Provence · Bandol · Mourvèdre, Grenache
Mourvèdre-based Bandol: dark fruit, leather and herbs.
Food: Lamb, game
John Duval Wines Plexus SGM
Barossa Valley · Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre
Barossa GSM blend: ripe, spicy and generous.
Food: Lamb, BBQ
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé
Provence · Bandol · Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault
A serious rosé: wild strawberry, peach skin and garrigue, with more body and length than most.
Food: Bouillabaisse, grilled sea bass
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
The Wine Reference newsletter
New wines, stories and career guides, one email a week at most.
Over 18s only. Unsubscribe any time with one click. Your email is stored securely by Kit and never shared.
Support The Wine Reference
This guide is free, with no paywall. If it helped you choose a bottle, you can buy me a glass and keep it growing.
🍷 Buy me a glass